Bullpen consistency can be the difference between a pennant and going home early. Who's best at nailing down wins and protecting leads?

David Schoenfield ESPN Senior Writer

New pitch alert: Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez is working on a new slider. He threw one last year, but Alex Cora called it more of a slider/cutter. This would be more of a conventional slider and Cora was very enthusiastic on Tuesday about what's he seen from Rodriguez. Many in Red Sox believed he's ready for his best season.

Buster talks to David Schoenfield about Mike Trout's future, the legendary career of Bruce Bochy, labor talks and more (6:01). Plus, Sarah Langs' Numbers Game (26:52), Marc Topkin with some Inside Heat on the Rays (33:01) and Karl Ravech chats with Alex Cora and Mookie Betts (35:44).

Players' union head Tony Clark criticized baseball commissioner Rob Manfred for blaming players' demands for the slow free agent market and said an increasing number of teams make little effort to justify the price of a ticket.

Three and a half months after the pursuit started, here's where things stand with Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and their suitors. Plus, updates on Craig Kimbrel, Nolan Arenado and other stars seeking paydays.